Recent Questions

Alaska Unemployment Questions

WHEN SHOULD I APPLY FOR UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BENEFITS?
Individuals should apply for benefits as soon as they are unemployed or working less than full-time. Weekly benefits are not paid retroactively, so the sooner you file, the sooner you may be eligible for benefits.

HOW DO I APPLY FOR UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE?
You can file an initial claim for unemployment benefits two ways, online or calling a UI Claim Center. To file online login to myalaska.state.ak.us and click on “Unemployment Insurance Benefits”.
If you call, a UI claim center representative can take your information over the phone. After you have opened your UI claim, you can file for biweekly benefits online at the above website or over the phone by calling our automated telephone claim filing system known as VICTOR.

WHAT IS COVERED EMPLOYMENT?
Covered employment is work done for an employer who is bound by Alaska Statute to pay an Unemployment Insurance Tax for their workers. One fast way to answer this question is to find out whether your employer is registered with the Alaska Department of Labor. If they are, they should have a certificate posted identifying them as a registered employer with the Alaska Department of Labor or the Employment Security Division. You might also ask your payroll unit if your wages are subject to unemployment insurance, as most occupations are.

WHAT IF I QUIT MY JOB OR WAS DISCHARGED BY MY EMPLOYER?
Generally speaking, a worker must be out of work through no fault of their own to be eligible for benefits without penalty. If it is determined that you voluntarily quit without good cause or you were discharged for misconduct, there will be a six week disqualification period. This disqualification will begin the first week you are unemployed and will continue through the following five weeks. In addition to the disqualification period, there will also be a three week reduction of payments and you will not be eligible for Extended Benefits.

HOW DO EARNINGS AFFECT MY BENEFITS?
If you earn $50 or less there will be no reduction in your benefits. There will be a .75 cent deduction for each dollar that you earn, over $50. You must report your earnings in the week that you actually earn the wages, even if you have not been paid.

HOW LONG WILL I BE ABLE TO COLLECT UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BENEFITS?
Your benefit year begins on Sunday of the week in which you file. Your claim is then active for 52 (sometimes 53) consecutive weeks. Duration of benefits is a minimum of 16 weeks and up to a maximum of 26 weeks. Your initial entitlement may last longer than the number of weeks indicated if you are working part time or on call and receiving partial benefits.

I am currently getting Alaska unemployment until the end of August, then my 20 weeks are up. I live in Utah and have been unable to find work since my benefits began…My question is this: Since i worked in Alaska but live in another state, am i eligible for Extended Benefits?

We my huband and I moved up here a little over s year ago both of us went right to work. But now we have been called back. My husbands mom is in trouble shes 92 and he I s her power of attorney to importance to go back. handle her affairs. We would like to move back here. Its of utmost importance. Can we file for unemployment ?

I have been calling all day (5/20/2012) trying to file and the message states that you are closed, your hours are from 6AM-7PM…… Accordingly you should have your lines open and VICTOR operable. Please address this issue. I will continue calling, also I will contact the claims office Monday morning (5/21/2012)
Thank you, Cynthia M. Saldana-Figueroa

you can call to your Alaska Unemployment Bureau over the Phone on: (907) 465-5552,Pile Up the details of your work experience , which consists the details of contact address, phone number and the duration period worked.

Provide the details of your name, work history, contact details, along with your date of birth, Social security number

Once the above claiming process is done over phone, with the period of 30 days you are expected to know if you are approved for the benefit or not. If accepted your weekly benefit will also be intimated to you by mail

When applying by phone keep in mind that:

Calls are answered in the order they are received, so stay on the line.
If you receive a busy signal it means all lines are occupied. Please be patient and try again later.
You can call from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The best times to call are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the afternoon.
The worst times to call are Monday and Friday.
Using a landline will save your cell-phone minutes.